"I think that New Mexico was the greatest experience from the outside world that I ever had.
It certainly changed me forever ... The moment I saw the brilliant proud morning (sun) shine high up over the deserts of Santa Fe,
something stood still in my soul."
~D.H. Lawrence

Saturday, June 19, 2010

It looks like the Rail Runner is going to be a huge issue in the political campaigns this year.

The Democrats who are running for office, generally support it (it is known as Bill Richardson's legacy here) and in some cases, want to expand it.

The Republicans are for the most part are opposed to it, and some want to scrap it entirely, because it is a huge money loser for the state, racking up millions of dollars in debt the longer it operates.

As for John and I, we think it is cool to see it in Santa Fe and we like to watch it. HOWEVER, when we look in the cars and try to estimate how many people we see riding it at any give time, the cars are mostly empty. I guess we are not seeing it during the rush hours in the morning and evening; perhaps it has some riders then, but I don't think they are enough to keep it in the black.

(The Rail Runner in Santa Fe June 1, 2010, Cerrillos Road and St. Francis Drive))

Realburger is not too far down the road from us on the way into Santa Fe on the Old Pecos Trail. It is located right next door to a motel, The Old Pecos Inn, and gets a huge crowd of locals and tourists for the breakfast, lunch and dinner crowd. It's been busy every time we go there. Nothing fancy inside - but bright colorful decor and a HUGE area for seating so you never have to wait.

We like the eclectic menu - from hamburgers (green chile cheeseburgers - my favorite!) to a large selection of New Mexican food and just plain old homecooking. We've been there several times and had the same waiter each time - a friendly and efficient but not intrusive young man.

Realburger appears to be a place where locals on the southside of Santa Fe go for simple but good food, and to meet up with friends. Nice place. We'll be going back a lot.